Clifden Caves Castle Caves - New Zealand South Island
Clifden Caves Castle Caves - New Zealand South Island
Clifden Caves offers a free and homemade cave adventure! Here you can explore glowworm caves on the South Island of New Zealand.
In terms of free, self -guided adventures, we all know that New Zealand is the right place. However, Clifden Caves is a completely different story. To be honest, it is hard to believe that this cave is completely free to visit.
The Clifden Caves extend over a kilometer underground and have several long, winding tunnels and sections with built -in ladders. On the way you can see from glowworm lined limestone caves and hundreds of stalagmites and stalactites!
If you like to explore cave systems, this is an absolute treat.
How do you get to the clifden caves?
The entrance to the Clifden Caves is located on the side of the Clifden Gorge Road. Access to this street is located near the intersection of the Clifden Blackmount RD and the Ohai-Clifden Highway.
The best thing to do is simply insert the PIN that you can find on the map below. Then, as soon as you have reached the pen, there is space for your car or motorhome directly on the side of the street opposite the caves.
Glow Worm cave input
The entrance to the Clifden Caves is located directly on the other side of the fence opposite the parking lot. Right next to the entrance you will find a small Doc guide.
You have to walk over the fence at the marked area. Remember to be respectful because Clifden Caves is actually on a private country. It is proof for the Kiwi landowners that they have decided to keep this cave accessible to the public! Legends.
The cave entrance itself is large and easy to see as soon as you have found the place.
As soon as they enter, the first few tunnels are big enough to move easily without bending on. However, this changes quickly as they will determine.
Alt = “Clifden Caves Entrance”> Cave input in the Clifden Caves
Would you like to hike the Kepler?: Read the full Kepler Track Guide
Do I need a leader to explore the Clifden Caves?
No official guide is required for exploration of Clifden Caves. When I arrived here, nobody was there.
However, cave research is a dangerous adventure activity that can easily turn south for those who are not prepared. Remember not to enter a cave and be ready after heavy rains by bringing the essential security items listed below.
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What you should bring: Important security items
Here are some security items recommended by the Doc for exploring the Clifden Caves New Zealand.
flashlight-recommended 2x per person with replacement batteries
Suitable, loosely sitting clothing
Festival shoes
Also remember to inform someone about their intentions. Pay attention to rockfall and try to only stick to the marked routes. Have a plan to enter and out with a specified time frame.
Map of the Clifden caves
Alt = ““> Image source: Doc
You can find your way through this Glow Worms cave on the South Island
Shortly after entering the cave, come to the lower entrance. This section is the closest and most difficult tunnel section of the entire cave system.
That may seem a bit absurd at first. However, this is pretty much as narrow as it can be done, since it opens quite far when you get into the cave.
The path is marked by reflective markings that show the way. Remember not to crawl through unmarked passages to avoid damage to the cave and not to get lost.
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What you expect in the Clifden Caves New Zealand
Cave length: 1 km
Total period
Simple level, but can only become claustrophobic, only recommended for fit people and children over 12 years.
The exploration of the Clifden Caves was one of the most underestimated adventures that I had on the South Island. The caves and tunnels are epic to explore, with many limestone formations for checking out.
The tunnels wind back and forth before opening up to several large caves. The cave system can be crossed completely from the entrance and output at the south exit. If you do this, you have to fall down a few ladders (see card above).
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Remember to try to experience the power failure by covering your flashlight! You will probably discover some ...
clifden glowworm caves / Titiwai
Clifden Caves is one of many fireflies on the South Island of New Zealand. This cave is home to a type of fireflies called Titiwai. These worms are actually the larval stage of a type of fly, which is known as mosquitoes.
The glow is used by the larvae to attract prey that you catch in your sticky, shining threads that you will discover in the whole cave.
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Alt = "Delimerative New Zealand"> Long exposure to try to capture the fireflies
Further firefly caves on the South Island of New Zealand
Would you like to explore other epic firefly caves on the South Island of New Zealand? Below are a few more that are worth checking.
- Waitomo caves-Waikato
- te anau glowworm caves
- hokitika glowworm dell
More South Island travel guide and blogs
honestly, if you are not sure if you want to visit the Clifden Caves, do it as long as you are prepared and the conditions allow it. This was one of my loved ones and the most unexpected epic adventure along the south coast.
If you are looking for more free travel guides or articles for New Zealand's South Island, you will find it here:
My camera and photo equipment
- Mirrorless camera: Canon R5
- drone: DJI Mavic Pro 2
- 360-degree action camera: Insta360 One X2
- landscape lens: Canon RF 15-35 mm f/2.8l
- all-round lens: Canon RF 24–105 mm f/4L
- telephoto lens: Canon RF 100–500 mm f/f/4.5–7.1 l
- Long action rod: Insta360 Invisible Pole (Bullettime)
- landscape lens filter: Hoya Circular Polarizer
- camera backpack: F-stop Tilopa
- Favorite photo accessories: Peak Design Capture Clip
A list of my recommended photo equipment (including what I use and why) can be found in my guide for camera equipment for the trip.
If you want to use one of the photos on this website, please visit my licensing page to find out how. I also sell professional art prints, visit my print store or contact me directly for customs deductions from pictures on WE Seek Travel.
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